Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The Good...The Bad...The Ugly of the Month...The GoodPrevious winners during the month: Mike Ditka (2/7) for his work on the NFL veterans pension benefits campaign, Jon Lester (2/15) of the Red Sox who beat cancer, the judge that ruled against O.J. Simpson (2/21), which hopefully will result in more blood money for the Goldman's and a new contender: Boomer Esiason who is the guest of honor at the New York Athletic Club's All Sports dinner tonight for his work in raising money for cystic fibrosis. And the winner is...Jon Lester, 23-year old Red Sox pitcher who not only has the potential for a good career but more importantly - a good life ahead of him...

The BadPrevious winners: Reid Brothers (2/7), those bad-seed sons of Andy Reid for gun and drug possession and their arrests, Tim Hardaway (2/15) for his insensitive remarks about out of the closet former NBA player John Amaechi, a return performance (2/21) by the Reid boys and two new contenders: athletes and celebrities involved as customers of an illicit steroid-sales network where 4 company officials were arrested yesterday in Orlando. Athletes mentioned: Evander Holyfield, Jose Canseco and Gary Matthews Jr. This is a developing story and bears watching, the NHL brawl between Ottawa and Buffalo last week that resulted in a melee and a bad injury to Sabres co-captain Chris Drury and Jim Lampley who was sentenced to 3 years of probation for allegedly attacking a woman on New Year's Eve (Happy New Year Jim). And the winner is: The ReidBrothers...

The UglyPrevious winners: former boxing champ Ricardo Mayorga (2/7) who was convicted on a rape charge and then failed to pay $56,000 for 4 cars he drove off with, the Detroit Lions coach, JoeCullen (2/15) who dresses like the emperor with no clothes, Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy (2/21) who attacked a teammate at practice and Pacman Jones who was present at a shooting in a late night club and getting in trouble with the law 8 times since being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in April 2005. How can you get in trouble that many times in less than 2 years? Pacman is about to be reduced to a computer game as the Titans and NFL have just about had enough of this criminal. The winner (do you have to ask?) is Adam "Pacman"Jones...

Today's video links are contained in our "Happy Trails" and "#1 on this date" timelines...

Timeline Memories..."Happy Trails": 1968] Frankie Lymon, lead singer of the Teenagers dies of a heroin overdose at 25. There's no telling how legendary Frankie would have been today had he lived. We have an appearance (black & white) of Frankie singing "Goody, Goody" from a 1957 TedSteele Show on channel 5 in New York: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch-ubs_46c81974] Bobby Bloom ("Montego Bay") dies from a self-inflicted gun shot wound at 28...

(S) M*A*S*H ing ratings: 1983] The final episode of "M*A*S*H" draws a household rating of 60.2%. Seen in over 50 million homes it's the highest rated show of all-time (still is to this day). The series started in September, 1972...

Grand Old Party Time: 1854] The Republican Party is organized in Ripon (WI) when 50 opponents of slavery start the new political party...

Jumping it up: 1940] The 1st televised basketball game is aired on experimental TV station W2XBS in New York when Pittsburgh beats Fordham at Madison Square Garden. Only several hundred homes in New York watched the game that featured a 20-minute blackout caused by technical problems...

Going to helix: 1953] Scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick discover the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule that contains human genes in a Cambridge University laboratory...

Winter Gold: 1960] The U.S. wins its 1st Olympic gold medal in hockey with a 9-4 win over Czechoslovakia at the Squaw Valley Games (CA)...

Musical call letters: 1962] WMGM in New York City changes call letters to WHN...

#1 on this date: 1967] The Rolling Stones are #1 with "Ruby Tuesday", the "B" side of "Let'sSpend The Night Together", banned by many stations but not by WRKO in our 2nd year of operation...1974] "Seasons in the Sun" - Terry Jacks (video link#2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkSJxJL4ldE )...

Waco goes Wacko: 1993] U.S. Federal agents raid the compound of the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh in Waco (TX). The 51-day standoff will result in the killing of 4 agents and 6 Davidians including Koresh...

Baseball gets Busted: 1986] 21 major league players are fined or suspended including KeithHernandez and Dave Parker in the largest drug scandal in baseball history (just the tip of the iceberg folks)...

The Brady bill is law: 1994] The Brady Law, imposing a waiting period for hand-gun purchases goes into effect...[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...CommentaryJay Clark, former head of programming for Sirius e-mailed some kind words on our take on the Sirius/XM proposed merger. Mel Karmazin kicks off the campaign to sell the merger as he testifies before the newly created House Antitrust Task force hearings in Washington today. Look for lots of pros and cons in the days ahead before a final determination is made by the Justice Dept. and FCC. Jay, now retired and enjoying Florida life is always welcome here to offer his take on the merger. Consider that an open invitation Jay...Results of the Veterans Committee, which were zilch, zippo, nada - no baseball vets added to the Hall of Fame. The two closest to getting in were: Ron Santo and Jim Kaat. Here's the problem with this committee: baseball writers who see all teams and players in the game are not allowed to vote. The vast majority of the 82-member committee consists of Hall of Famers who, for the most part don't see enough players to pass judgement on prospective Hall of Famers. They only see teammates or teams they played against but not the whole spectrum of players seen by writers in the cities where teams play. This has to change or we won't have any new veterans in the Hall...

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

You don't have to be Jewish to love this league...Larry Baras was watching a Cape Cod Baseball League game last summer when he came up with this thought, "If I can take this scene and transplant it to Israel what a great thing it would be." And so it was done. The Israel Baseball League consisting of 6 teams and a schedule of 45 seven-inning games begins play this June 24th. Former major leaguers Art Shamsky (1969 Miracle Mets), no-hit pitcher Ken Holtzman and ex-Yankee Ron Blomberg will manage 3 of the teams. All 3 are Jewish but you don't have to be Jewish to play. Israel now joins the Caribbean, Australia, Japan and Italy to have professional baseball leagues as the game expands its global universe...

"Take Me Out To The Ballgame" has already been translated into Hebrew and while security is a concern, the league has hired the head of security at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. The crowds should average 1,000 fans in the league's first season and if a game is tied at the end of 7 innings, a home run derby will determine the winner. 'Atah eevair' means "You are blind" and 'Teaftoch et eincha' translates to "Open your eyes". Sounds like they're ready to play ball in Israel. The director of baseball operations is former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer is commissioner...

Mazel Tov...

Some American baseball news in my Commentary and today's video link follows in the 1981 "Salt & Pepper" timeline...

Have a baby, my wife just had a cigar: 1883] Oscar Hammerstein I (grandfather of the legendary lyricist) patents the 1st cigar-rolling machine. In addition to being involved in the theater Hammerstein founded the U.S. Tobacco Journal and made a fortune as a cigar manufacturer...

Carrie Nation kvells: 1922] The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote...

L'chaim: 1949] Chaim Weizmann becomes the 1st Israeli President (break out the Manischewitz)...

Released on this date: 1956] "Slippin' and Slidin'" -Little Richard...

Free at Last: 1991] James Brown is paroled from prison after serving 2 years of a 6-year term for leading police on an interstate car chase (about the same amount of time before they bury "The Godfather of Soul")...

"People, people who love people": 1974] People Magazine hits the newsstands for the 1st time...

"Guilty as Charged": 1982] Wayne B. Williams is found guilty of murdering 2 people (of the 28 bodies of those found in the Atlanta area during a period of 22 months)...1990] The Exxon Corp. and Exxon Shipping are indicted on 5 criminal counts in reference to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill...

Liberation Day: 1991] President George Bush (#41) announces live on TV that "Kuwait isliberated"...

Winter Gold: 1988] Katarina Witt of East Germany becomes the 1st repeat winner of an Olympic gold medal in figure skating since Sonja Henie won 3 straight (1928-36) with her second consecutive win. Later that year she'll win her 4th title in 5 years at the World Figure Skating Championships...

Baby duffer: 1992] 16-year old amateur golfer Tiger Woods becomes the youngest player to compete in a PGA Tour event (Nissan L.A. Open) and posts a one-over-par 72, just barely missing the cut...[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...Commentary...The Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee announces the names - if any, picked for entrance into the hallowed hall today. The late Gil Hodges and Ron Santo top the players' ballot and umpire Doug Harvey and union boss Marvin Miller head the officials' list. The last time the committee voted, 2 year's ago, Hodges and Santo fell 8 votes shy of HOF admittance and Harvey - 12 short. If I had a vote, I would vote for all 4. I hope they all get in...

Monday, February 26, 2007

Wasting little time, the House Judiciary Committee will examine the XM-Sirius proposed merger this Wednesday. The Antitrust Task Force chaired by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) plans to probe the proposed $13 billion merger by calling on Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin to testify on February 28 at the committee's first meeting and the stakes are enormous...

Consider the following numbers: it's reported that iTunes is now selling 3 million songs every day, within the next couple of years about 40% of all new cars will come equipped with audio jacks and MP3 players, about 1 billion songs are being swapped on-line per month. This is indeed a youth movement with slightly over 25% of the population between the ages of 13 and 25 being the most active demographic. Do the math and it's plain to see that the electronic media age will mushroom as the lower-end of the demographic scale ages only to be replaced by other 13-25's who will have better technology to download songs to their fillings and body rings if they'd like. That's what's at stake for Sirius and XM. The chance to be competitive in this new electronic media era. Which makes you wonder where this puts terrestrial or free radio. My feeling is that it won't be HD radio unless it offers free video and a body message by the artist...

Speaking of things electronic and wireless, on February 15th, Robert Adler, co-inventor of the remote control, passed away at 93. Adler received more than 180 U.S. patents during his lifetime and in 1956 came up with the granddaddy of all electronic gadgets along with fellow engineer Eugene Polley. Their invention was called the Space Command, more commonly known as the remote control. There is no truth to the rumor that Adler was buried between two couch cushions...

Today's video link can be found in the 1985 "Grammy Gold" timeline...

Timeline Memories...

Napoleon Departed: 1815] Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the island of Elba to begin his 2nd conquest of France...

Grammy Gold: 1985] Chuck Berry receives a "Lifetime Achievement" Grammy. We have video of CB performing at that awards show with Stevie Ray Vaughn and George Thorogood. When the music ends, John Denver hands Chuck the Grammy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSuMW3Md6U ...

In Cold Blood: 1990] Cornell Gunter of the Coasters is murdered in Las Vegas at 53...

"Welllll": 1987] The Tower Commission rebukes President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff in the Iran-Contra affair...

Crying 'Uncle': 1991] Iraq President Saddam Hussein announces on Baghdad Radio that he has ordered his troops to withdraw from Kuwait...

1st WTC disaster: 1993] Six people are killed and more than a thousand injured when a van explodes in the World Trade Center parking garage. An act of terrorism by Islamic extremists and a precursor to something far worse in 2001...

The Big 'O' wins again: 1998] A Texas jury rejects an $11 million lawsuit by cattlemen who blamed Oprah Winfrey for a price drop after her on-air comments about mad-cow disease. To show her appreciation Miss O buys everyone on the jury a steer and steak knives...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

"Happy Trails"...

We lost 2 football players over the weekend. 24-year old Denver reserve running back DamienNash. Nash died suddenly after coming home from a charity basketball game on Saturday. An autopsy will be performed on Nash today to determine cause of death...Lamar Lundy, one of the Fearsome Foursome members of the Los Angeles Rams of the 50's and 60's, passed away on Saturday at 71. Lundy, who had diabetes, suffered other various long term illnesses. The Fearsome Foursome is often considered one of the best defensive lines in NFL history...

Commentary...

My take on the Oscars was that it was an entertaining show but way too long. Ellen DeGeneres did a pleasant job playing host. Nothing spectacular but easy to take and she had some funny lines. Why they didn't present their first major award sooner than an hour and a half into the show is unknown but inexcusable. For all those countless number of actors who complained for years that Martin Scorsese had never won an Oscar - now you can stop your whining. And then there was Andre Leon Talley who was "Oh, so fabulous". Who is he and why was he there???

Friday, February 23, 2007

This DJ was always rated #1...Dennis Johnson was remembered by his former teammates. Larry Bird who once called DJ "the best player I've ever played with" had this to say when he heard of Johnson's passing from a heart attack at 52, "he told me once, I'm a horrible shooter. But give me the ball down the stretch and I'll hit it everytime." Kevin McHale who played with DJ when the Celtics won the NBA titles in '84 and '86 had this to say, "What a sad, sad day. This one really hits you." Danny Ainge put it this way, "he found more ways to help us win thanany other player I've ever played with." Steve Kerr, an NBA opponent called DJ "the ultimate competitor and a fierce defender."...Dennis Johnson, a 5-time NBA All-Star, suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday in Austin, Texas where he was the coach of the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. He collapsed after a team practice and never recovered. DJ will be missed...David Hinckley has an article in the New York Daily News that's worth reading. David reports that Howard (no "K") Stern is no longer the #1 talker in radio. You can read his comments by clicking this link: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/v-pfriendly/story/499943p-421559c.html ...There are 2 video links today, the first one is included in the "#1 on this date" timeline and video link #2 is in "Grammy Gold"...Timeline Memories...Grammy Gold: 1978] "Record of the Year:" "Hotel California" - The Eagles, "Song of the Year": "Hotel California"/"Love Theme from A Star is Born" - Barbra Streisand (tie). "New Artist": Debby Boone...1983] "Record": "Roseanna" - Toto, "Song": "Always on my Mind" - Willie Nelson, "New Artist": Men at Work...2000] "Record/Song": "Smooth" - Santana (with Rob Thomas) Video link of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2JiytxJVAE "New Artist": Christina Aguilera (Santana ties Michael Jackson, winning 8 Grammy Awards)...2003] "Record"/"Song": "Don't Know Why" - Norah Jones (Jones also wins for "Best New Artist" and ties Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys (and since tied by Beyonce) with 5 Grammy Awards...Salking it to ya: 1954] The 1st mass inoculation of children against polio with the Salk vaccine begins in Pittsburgh..."Please Come To Boston": 1822] Boston is incorporated as a city..."Remember the Alamo": 1836] The seige of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas..."Tootsie Roll": 1896] The Tootsie Roll is introduced by transplanted European Leo Hirshfield. The Tootsie Pop came along in 1931 (tell me there's a better tasting Tootsie Pop than the cherry flavor)..."Going in Circles": 1905] The Rotary Club is founded in Chicago by Attorney Paul Harris and 3 others..."Signed, Sealed, Delivered": 1927] President Calvin Coolidge signs a bill creating the Federal Radio Commission. On July 1, 1934 the name will be changed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)...1983] Junior running back Herschel Walker of Georgia becomes the highest paid player in football history when he signs a $1.5 million a year contract with DonaldTrump's New Jersey Generals of the USFL... No lie: 1940] Walt Disney's animated classic "Pinocchio" is released...Planting Old Glory: 1945] U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima capture Mount Suribachi and plant the American flag in a classic moment captured for generations to come by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize winning photo..."Happy Trails": 1965] Stan Laurel (Laurel & Hardy) dies in his sleep following a heart attack at 74...1995] Melvin Franklin, bass singer of the Temptations dies of heart failure at 52...Released on this date: 1963] "He's So Fine" - Chiffons...1974] "Piano Man" - Billy Joel...#1 on this date: 1959] "Stagger Lee" - Lloyd Price (originally an old folk song, "Stack-O-Lee"). Video link of Lloyd Price and John Fogerty singing the song at Price's 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgsN7Y9ZL8s1969] "Everyday People" - Slyand the Family Stone..."You bet your sweet Bippy": 1970] Ringo Starr guest stars on "Rowan &Martin's Laugh-In" in his 1st solo appearance on TV...Brooklyn boo-hoos: 1960] Millions mourn in Brooklyn as the wrecking ball, designed as a baseball, begins the demolition of Ebbets Field, the home of the Dodgers from 1913 to 1957...Winter Gold: 1980] Skater Eric Heiden wins the 4th of 5 gold medals at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. Two nights later he wins an unprecedented 5th gold medal..."Have a Seat": 1985] Indiana basketball coach Bobby Knight, angered by officials, flings a chair across the basketball court. Bobby is ejected from the game against Purdue but gets a 5.5. in "chair tossing"..."Family Feud": 1993] Gary Coleman wins a $1,280,000 lawsuit against his parents (for stunting his growth?)...Madman goes berserk: 1997] A Palestinian madman opens fire on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, killing one person and wounding 6 before taking his own life. A classmate of my son Robert, MattGross was shot in the head and suffered permanent brain damage. His brother Daniel started a successful anti-violence group..."Guilty as Charged": 1999] A jury in Jasper (TX) convicts white supremacist John William King of murder in the dragging death of a black man - James Byrd, Jr..."Hello Dolly": 1997] Scientists in Scotland confirm the successful cloning of the lamb named Dolly...Schindler Unplugged: 1997] NBC-TV airs an uncut version of "Schindler's List" to an audience of 65 million...[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]..."Happy Birthday...happy birthday":Dakota Fanning (13), Kristin Davis (42), Bobby Bonilla (44), Ed "Too Tall"Jones (56), Rusty (Poco) Young (61), Johnny Winter (63) and Peter Fonda (67)...Timeline Countdown: 26 days until spring and 37 days until Opening Day......Saturday, February 24, 2007...Timeline Memories...Phat Tuesday: 1868] The 1st parade to use floats? The New Orleans Mardi Gras..."Guantanamo-ra": 1903] An area in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased to the U.S. for use as a naval base...A brush-off: 1938] The 1st nylon bristle toothbrush is made by DuPont...Beatlethon: 1964] The Beatles appear (on video tape) on "The Ed SullivanShow" for the 3rd Sunday in a row...Recorded on this date: 1965] "Help Me Rhonda" - Beach Boys...Barry and Ray: 1978] "The Second Barry Manilow Special" airs on ABC-TV with guest Ray Charles...Released on this date: 1979] "Roxanne" - The Police..."Grammy Gold": 1982] Pat Benatar receives a Grammy for "Fire and Ice" and Al Jarreau is "Best Pop Male Vocalist"...1983] Kim Carnes wins a Grammy for "Record of The Year" for "Bette Davis Eyes"...1993] Eric Clapton wins 6 Grammy Awards for the song "Tears in Heaven", a tribute to his late son...1999] Lauryn Hill wins 5 Grammy's for her debut solo album...Winter Gold: 1980] The U.S. hockey team wins a gold medal after beating Finland 4-2 at the Lake Placid Winter Games...1994] Figure skater OksanaBaiul of the Ukraine injures her back in practice but 2 days later beats NancyKerrigan to win a gold medal at Lillehammer, Norway..."Murder She Wrote": 1981] Jean Harris is convicted of murdering Scarsdale Diet Dr. Tarnower. HBO makes a movie out of it in 2006..."The King and I": 1987] Larry King suffers a heart attack requiring quintuple bypass surgery which is a success..."Is that plant moving?": 1989] Stalker Margaret Ray is found in DavidLetterman's home in Connecticut claiming to be his wife. Letterman is not amused...Wedding Bells: 1992] Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love rock down the aisle. The marriage is cut short by the death of Cobain in April, 1994..."Wayne's World...Wayne's World": 1992] The movie starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey opens in U.S. theaters (schhhhhwiiiiing!)..."Saturday Night still Alive": 1994] Garrett Morris is shot during a robbery but eventually recovers from his wounds..."Call me Sir": 1998] Elton John is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II..."Happy Trails": 1998] Henny Youngman dies of pneumonia at 91..."Not that there's anything wrong with it": 2004] President George W. Bush urges approval of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. It doesn't happen..."Happy Birthday...happy birthday":Paula Zahn (51), Eddie Murray (51), Rupert Holmes (60), Barry Bostwick (62), Ct. Senator Joseph Lieberman (65), Zell (and yell) Miller (75), my neighbor - Uncle Junior of 'The Sopranos', Dominic Chianese (76) and a person I frequently see on my walks - Abe ("Fish") Vigoda (86)...Timeline Countdown: 25 days until spring and 36 days until Opening Day......Sunday, February 25, 2007...Timeline Memories..."Eat Your Words": 1964] That's what Cassius Clay said after upsetting Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight championship when Liston couldn't answer the bell for round 7..."Happy Trails": 1983] Playwright Tennessee Williams is found in his New York hotel suite after choking on a bottle cap. Williams was 71...Who sat at the card table?: 1793] George Washington holds the 1st cabinet meeting on record, at his home... Samuel Gunn: 1836] Inventor Samuel Colt receives a patent for the Colt 45 (the gun, not the malt liquor)...Dropping the puck: 1940] The Rangers and Montreal play the 1st televised NHL game on W2XBS in New York, using just one camera in a fixed position. The Rangers beat the Canadiens 6-2 at Madison Square Garden...What a Show!: 1950] "Your Show of Shows" debuts on NBC-TV and Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner and Howard Morris become household names. Woody Allen, Mel Brooks and Neil Simon wrote for this show... A legend falls: 1989] After 29 seasons and 2 Super Bowl rings as Dallas coach, Tom Landry is dumped by new Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. JimmyJohnson replaces Landry..."Grammy Gold": 1992] James Brown receives a "Lifetime Achievement" Grammy...1998] Bo Diddley and Roy Orbison also win the award...

"Holy Cow": 1994] That was the reaction by Phil Rizzuto when told he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame at age 76...

"Guilty as Charged": 1997] A jury in Media (PA) convicts multimillionaire John E. DuPont of 3rd degree murder but decides he was mentally ill when he killed world-class wrestler and neighbor, David Schultz...2002] Former NBA star Jayson Williams of the Nets is charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of his limo driver at Williams estate in Alexandria Township (NJ). In April of 2006, an appeals court ruled that Williams can be retried...2005] Municipal employee and church leader Dennis Rader is arrested for the BTK serial killings that terrorized Wichita, Kansas. He is now serving a 10 to life sentence...

Acquitted: 2000] A jury in Albany (NY) acquits 4 NYPD officers of 2nd-degree murder and lesser charges in the February, 1999 shooting death of Amadou Diallo...

Controversy is his middle name: 2004] Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" opens on Ash Wednesday...

Lucy look: 1994] Bad girl Tonya Harding puts that Lucy of "Peanuts" face on when a last-minute loose skate lace turns her from lutzing contender to klutzy pretender in the Olympics. Tonya will not letter...

Thursday, February 22, 2007

"A little bit of this, a little bit of that" (from "The Game of Love")...

Don't know about you but the clock can't tick fast enough for Howard K. Stern and Judge LarrySeidlin's '15 minutes of Fame" for me...

I expect another bulletin on Britney Spears at any minute and this one could really be bad. It's not easy to make Kevin Federline look good but Britney is doing that. She can only blame herself if she loses custody of their kids...

ABC-TV couldn't have picked a more hated person at the moment than Heather Mills for "Dancing With The Stars". Was O.J. unavailable???

One year after coming to the Yankees, Johnny Damon is still saying the Red Sox could have afforded him. Johnny: time to turn the page...While we're on the Yankees, it's important for A-Rod and Derek Jeter to be close friends because??? While Bernie Williams is a good ballplayer who contributed to 4 World Series victories, he's not great, not a future Hall of Famer, not indispensable and since teams have told better players than Williams they're no longer wanted, why is everyone so surprised? People, it's called business...We'll soon find out how damaging Yankees general partner, Steinbrenner son-in-law and heir apparent, Steve Swindal's DUI was when the New York Racing Association picks an operator for their franchise. Swindal's Excelsior group is one of 3 bidding for rights to run the NYRA...

We're going to find out entirely too much about the Brady-Moynahan baby...I liked "The Departed" but I can live without seeing Martin Scorsese win an Academy Award...Nothing against Ellen DeGeneres but I'd rather see: Billy Crystal or Robin Williams as host. I just don't think DeGeneres can make us watch most of the show, Crystal or Williams would...

There are 2 video links today. First video link is contained in the "Do You Believe In Miracles" timeline and video link#2 is in the "Top 10 on this date" timeline...

Timeline Memories...

"Happy Trails": 1976] Original Supreme Florence Ballard dies of a heart attack 9 years after being fired from the group. Flo, only 32, was living on welfare and had 3 children...1987] Pop artist Andy Warhol dies of a heart attack in his sleep following gall bladder surgery. Warhol was 58...

"Do You Believe In Miracles?": 1980] That was Al Michaels call when the American Olympic Ice Hockey team beat the Russians in a semi-final game. The Russians hadn't lost in the Olympics since 1968. Two nights later, the Americans won a gold medal when they beat Finland. Here's the last 5 minutes of the game against the Russians (video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRALJyv86eY&mode=related&search= )...

"I'm Walking": 1861] On a bet Edward Weston leaves Boston to walk to Lincoln's inauguration (no report on whether or not he made it)...

Five and Dime: 1879] In Utica (NY), Frank W. Woolworth opens his first 5 and 10 cent store...

"You're a cab": 1907] The first metered taxi service begins in London (we can thank the Brits for making us broke paying for a cab)...

"On The Radio": 1924] President Calvin Coolidge delivers the 1st presidential radio broadcast from the White House...

No-Fly Zone: 1935] It becomes illegal for planes to fly over the White House...

"D-I-V-O-R-C-E": 1996] Halle Berry files for divorce from David Justice. They were married 4 years...

"I Spy": 1994] 31-year old CIA veteran Aldrich Ames and his wife Rosario are charged with selling national security secrets to the Soviet Union. Ames is convicted and sentenced to a lifetime term, his wife got 5 years...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

Commentary...

This press release from Dick Schuey's "Twangtown" was forwarded by Gordon Brown: "Soon you can call her the coal miner's doctor. Loretta Lynn is slated to receive an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music during her March 17th performance at theGrand Ole Opry in Nashville". Berklee President Roger Brown said: "Loretta Lynn's songs have squarely addressed real-life situations faced by many women and she's used her artistry to deal openly with themes like loyalty, divorce, desire and women's role in society before others in country music." Congratulations Loretta...

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

It was between Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi being selected as the recipient of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 'Wish Hero Award' or a judge's ruling against O.J. Simpson that came yesterday. Any ruling that hurts Simpson wins. The ruling by LA Superior Court Judge GeraldRosenberg states that Simpson's income from past work in movies, television and commercials will go directly to the family of murder victim Ron Goldman but he rejected the family's bid to collect future earnings. There will be a hearing on the matter of the blood money Simpson received for the book and aborted TV show, "If I Did It" on March 13 however. Goldman attorney David J. Cook said the ruling on past royalties was a step in the right direction. The Simpson attorney naturally said Simpson's royalties amount to almost nothing...

The Bad

There were lots of candidates for this award including Suspended Gonzaga center Josh Heytvelt being charged for felony possession of a controlled substance when police found hallucinogenic mushrooms (far out, man) in his car, Illinois basketball player Jamar Smith was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident in which he thought his teammate in the passenger seat was dead. And then there was Indianapolis Colts running back (and now free agent) Dominic Rhodes' DUI, Atlanta Falcons' lineman Jonathan Babineaux charged with animal abuse (huh?) with no further details announced and the Reid boys, Andy's sons with one (Garrett) entering drug rehab and the other one (Britt) waving a hearing over an encounter in which he allegedly pointed a gun at another motorist. The Reid brothers win this award easily...

The Ugly

There were only 2 candidates but they were both doozies. First we have Mickey Meyer (great name) the USC hockey goalie who rode his stick like a horse, dropped his pants and slapped his bum during a game against BYU in protest to officials calls. Rink manager Floyd Naegle said "we don't treat this as a funny incident." Meyer was charged with lewdness and a misdemeanor. It's up to the North Logan (UT) prosecutors whether to pursue a case against Meyer. But the winner is: Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy who didn't exactly help solve the problem of soccer violence when he attacked a teammate. The Wales forward allegedly hit John Arne Riise in a the legs with a golf club during training camp. Bellamy now faces a fine of $155,000 (converted to U.S. greenbacks) and an uncertain future with the 18-time English league champions. Oh - the fight was over a karaoke competition which apparently followed a night out in the pubs...

We have two video links today. The first one will be found in our Grammy Gold timeline from 2001. The second one follows in my Commentary...

Timeline Memories...

"Happy Trails": 1982] Murray the K (Kaufman) is a victim of cancer at the age of 60...2006] It was a year ago yesterday (Feb. 20) that we heard the news of the legendary Curt Gowdy's death from leukemia. Curt was 86...

Winter Gold: 1992] Kristi Yamaguchi completes a yearlong leap from runner up U.S. national champion in 1991 to win a gold medal at the Alberville, France games. She's the 1st American since Dorothy Hamill in 1976 to win the women's Olympic figure skating title...2002] 16-year old Great Neck North High School student Sarah Hughes shocks the world by winning the women's figure skating gold medal at the Salt Lake City games...

Wired: 1858] The 1st electric burglar alarm is installed in Boston...

"Let your fingers do the walking": 1878] The 1st telephone directory is distributed by the District Telephone Company of New Haven (CT). It was on one page and contained 50 names...

Debuted on this date: 1925] "The New Yorker" is published...1931] Alka Seltzer is introduced with a "plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is"...1947] Edwin Land demonstrates the Polaroid Land Camera to the Optical Society of America in New York City. It's the 1st camera to take, develop and print a black and white photo in 60 seconds. The camera goes on sale the following year...1970] The Jackson Five make their 'American Bandstand' debut...

"In Cold Blood": 1965] Malcolm X is assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan at the age of 39. 3 Black Muslims were charged and jailed for the murder...2002] The State Department declares Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl dead, a month after he'd been abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan...

"Guilty as Charged": 1975] Former Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman are sentenced to 2 1/2 to 8 years in prison for their roles in the Watergate cover-up...

"Tears on My Pillow": 1988] TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confesses to his congregation in Baton Rouge (LA) that he was guilty of an "unspecified sin" and temporarily leaves the pulpit. Reports that he had taken up with a prostitute are later confirmed by him...

"Up, Up and Away": 1995] Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett becomes the 1st person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean. He lands in Canada...

Off the disabled list: 2000] David Letterman returns to his Late Night Show about 5 weeks after having emergency quintuple bypass heart surgery...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

Commentary...

Here's an update on the mistrial in the Charlie Weis case. The mistrial was caused by a juror who collapsed during testimony in the defense of the Mass General surgeons who performed the gastric bypass. The case was expected to go to the jury today. Late word from a Weis attorney: "Mr. Weis is committed for this case to be tried to a conclusion". Look for a another trial...Paul Power alerted me to this item about Gary Lapierre who clocked over 40 years as a news anchor at WBZ Radio. On Friday, WBZ unveiled their new WBZ Hall of Fame with Gary being the recipient of the 1st plaque on the outside wall of the BZ building on Soldiers Field Road in Boston. I love the idea and congratulate BZ on coming up with it and who's more deserving to receive the first award than the guy who woke people up for over 4 decades: Gary Lapierre...Video link#2: http://wbz.com/pages/235948.php?contentType=4&contentId=327613

Thanks to Barbara Trembley who sent this e-mail: "Your blog states that Iva Toguri A'quino (a.k.a. "Tokyo Rose") was pardoned by President Gerald Ford in February, 1977 -- the correctdate is January 19, 1977 - President Ford's last day in office...noted and corrected...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

The proposed marriage of Sirius and XM sounds good...to Sirius and XM - maybe not so good to terrestrial radio and the FCC. Those that think that this merger will sail through, think again. FCC chairman Kevin Martin said the agency would review the deal but the hurdle "would behigh as the commission originally prohibited one company from holding the only two satelliteradio licenses". I think that it's ironic that the FCC does not regulate the content of satellite radio but will ultimately decide whether this merger will be done. I'm assuming that in this case the FCC is protecting free radio...

This proposed merger is no surprise, it's the only thing that makes sense and has been rumored for months. Neither XM or Sirius has turned a profit and shares of both companies have tumbled. If and when the merger occurs, Gary Parsons (current XM chairman) would be chairman and Sirius chief executive Mel Karmazin would be CEO. Sirius would pay about $4.6 billion in stock for XM, based on shares outstanding in the latest regulatory filings. Sirius would own about 53% of the company, XM 47%. There is a break-up fee of $175 million. The two companies have an enterprise value of about $13 billion including $1.6 billion in net debt and would work together to determine the combined company's name and headquarters...

Should this merger happen, the first step would be to determine the talent lineup and the monthly fee that listeners will pay for Howard Stern, Oprah, Bob Dylan, Major League Baseball, the NFL and other lesser named talent, music, entertainment and sports content. This is no drive-thru Las Vegas type marriage, more like a shotgun wedding but on FCC terms, not XM or Sirius. Stand by. The fun has just begun...

Wedding Bells: 1982] Pat Benatar and her guitarist Neil Giraldo (correct spelling of Neil's last name) rock down the aisle (the couple has had 2 daughters since they married)...

"D-I-V-O-R-C-E": 1974] Cher files for separation from husband Sonny Bono (married for 10 years, Cher will soon file for divorce)...

"Won't you wear my ring": 1992] Paula Abdul and Emilio Estevez announce their engagement (they will marry in April of '92 for 2 years)...

"Just like Bogey and Kate": 1952] "The African Queen" starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn opens at the Capitol Theater on Broadway...

The final curtain: 1987] After 11 years as co-host of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" David Hartman leaves the show...

"Going in Circles": 1962] John Glenn makes space history, orbiting the earth 3 times to become the 1st American to orbit the earth (aboard "Friendship 7")...

"Moonstruck": 1965] "Ranger 8" crashes on the moon after sending back thousands of pictures of its surface...

Breaking the barrier: 1952] Black umpire Emmett Ashford becomes the 1st of his race in organized baseball, in the minor leagues. He will graduate to the majors...

Winter Gold: 1988] Brian Boitano wins the gold medal in figure skating, the first gold medal won by the U.S. at the Calgary Winter Olympics...1998] American Tara Lipinski, 15, is the youngest gold medalist in Winter Olympic history when she wins the Ladies figure skating title at Nagano...

Fire rains death: 2003] Fire breaks out in a West Warwick (RI) club killing 100 including Great White guitarist Ty Longley. 200 others are injured in the blaze...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

"Happy Trails":

Veteran New York TV news reporter and anchor Ralph Penza passed away at 74 after an undisclosed long illness last week. Ralph was an "old reliable" type reporter who started his career after graduating from NYU. In 1960 he joined ABC as a news writer, eventually joining WCBS/2 as a producer and becoming a reporter and full-time anchor. Penza joined WNBC/4 in 1980, left in '95 and returned in 1997. His last air work was last summer. "Happy Trails Ralph"...

Commentary...

The consensus of opinion on the Tom Brady fathering Bridget Moynahan's baby situation is that the future Hall of Fame quarterback of the Patriots do the "right thing". He took up with Gisele Bundchen following his breakup with Bridget at the end of the year. Can you imagine what this baby will look like? It's not hard to imagine that if the baby is a girl she'll be a super-model, if a boy - a championship quarterback with good looks...

Friday, February 16, 2007

What's going on here? Judy Collins just opened at the ritzy Cafe Carlyle on the upper east side and "Cold Case" will use Bob Dylan music as a back drop to this weekend's Sunday night episode. Flash back 40 years and just the thought of either event happening would get you drummed out of Greenwich Village for life. The Village is where both artists cut their musical teeth...

Rather than the 60's returning maybe it's a sign that the decade has been assimilated into the mainstream. I always used to think that someday we would see the Rolling Stones playing at the Carlyle just like Bobby Short used to. I'll settle for Judy Collins instead. The Carlyle where 'Suite Judy Blue Eyes' will be performing through March 2nd is a perfectly small, intimate venue for the 67-year old golden voiced singer. A couple of years ago we saw Judy in Hyannis (MA) at the Cape Cod Melody Tent and she was magnificent. Talk about a 60's flashback, Arlo Guthrie opened for Judy...

I met Judy several years back when she attended a Leonard Cohen party and had a chance to talk to her about her career and life. She's a fascinating person who has lived a life filled with happiness and heartbreak that included the suicide of her son Clark. Of all the songs she's famous for including Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", "Amazing Grace" and "Send In The Clowns", one of my favorite Judy Collins songs is included into today's video link, "Someday Soon". It's a clip from a 1969 Smothers Brothers show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV7T6KCMosE ...

In today's Commentary, a look at George Steinbrenner's heir apparent and son-in-law SteveSwindal who's in a big jam and Frank Torre, brother of Yankees manager Joe Torre...

Timeline Memories...

Benevolent and Protective: 1868] 'The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks' is formed in New York City (what the devil does the BPOE do besides being benevolent and protective???)...

"Tonight we have a really big shew": 1964] The Beatles return for their 2nd Sunday in a row to "The Ed Sullivan Show" to sing 6 songs...

"Tick...tick...tick": 1975] The music variety series, "Cher" premieres on CBS-TV. The show bombs and is cancelled after one season...

Into the slammer: 1990] Ike Turner is sentenced to 4 years on cocaine charges...

"D-I-V-O-R-C-E": 1982] Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett say "I don't" and divorce after separating in 1979. They married in July, 1973...1989] Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden split up after 16 years of marriage...

LHJ is born: 1883] The "Ladies Home Journal" begins publication. Their first issue asks the question "Are hems on bathing suits being raised to above the ankles?" Not...

Whirlybird Heaven: 1946] The 1st commercially designed helicopter is unveiled and tested in Bridgeport (CT)...

"Have a cigar": 1959] Fidel Castro seizes power in Cuba after the overthrow of President Fulgencio Batista...

My old stomping grounds: 1968] The 1st 911 emergency telephone system is inaugurated in Haleyville (AL) where I started my radio career at WJBB at the age of 18...

"The winner and new heavyweight champeen of the woild": 1970] Joe Frazier begins his reign as undefeated heavyweight champ by knocking out Jimmy Ellis in 5 rounds. Frazier keeps his title until losing it on January 22, 1973 to George Foreman. It would be Frazier's 1st professional loss...

Still wet behind the ears: 1997] At age 25 Jeff Gordon is the youngest winner in Daytona 500 history (today he's pouring sugar in someones tank before the race)...

Good luck getting ticket refunds: 2005] The NHL cancels the 2004-2005 season due to a labor dispute. It's the 1st time a major sports league in North America loses an entire season...

Ivan the acquitted: 1987] John Demjanjuk a.k.a. "Ivan the Terrible", a guard at Treblinka concentration camp is convicted but the Israeli Supreme Court overturns the verdict (huh?)...

Investigators drop a bomb: 1989] Investigators in Lockerbie, Scotland, announce that it was a bomb hidden inside a radio-cassette player that brought down Pan Am 103 the previous December killing all 259 aboard and 11 on the ground...

You smell something?:2002] The operator of a crematory in Noble (GA) is arrested after dozens of corpses are found stacked in storage sheds and scattered in the surrounding woods...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

Commentary...

Pitchers and catchers have just reported but already there's controversy surrounding the Yankees. First it was super reliever Mariano Rivera hinting that he might leave after this season if he doesn't get a new contract and now, heir apparent and Steinbrenner son-in-law Steve Swindal is DUI in Florida. Swindal was booked for a misdemeanor and released from jail in Largo but the big question is how does Steinbrenner reacts to this. I won't even speculate but stay tuned...

Joe Torre's brother Frank received a heart transplant 11 years ago and now he needs a kidney transplant. If he doesn't find a match, he would go on a transplant list which could force him to wait up to a year for a new organ. Frank's heart is fine but at 75 his kidney needs to be replaced. Joe is no ordinary Joe, nor is Frank an ordinary Frank. My guess is that he'll find a match for a new kidney before a lot of other less famous people do. Our best wishes go out to the Torre's...

Timeline Countdown: 33 days until spring and 44 days until the baseball opener...

Saturday, February 17, 2007...

Timeline Memories...

"Heads it's Jefferson, tails, it's Burr": 1801] The U.S. House of Representatives breaks an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr by picking Jefferson as President and Burr as his VP...

Art replaces War: 1913] The Armory Show opens at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan with paintings and sculpture on display. This show continues to be held yearly at the same Armory...

"TIME is not on their side": 1933] Newsweek is published for the 1st time...

Wedding Bells: 1933] Blondie and Dagwood walk down the cartoon aisle, 3 years after they met in the papers. They celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary today...

VOA is born: 1947] The Voice of America begins its broadcasts to the Soviet Union...

Resume to follow: 1955] Little Richard sends his 1st audition tape to Specialty Records which will sign him to a contract...

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered": 1960] The Everly Brothers sign with Warner Brothers. The deal is for 10 years for a total of $1 million...

Prime Time Debut: 1971] James Taylor makes his prime time TV debut on "The JohnnyCash Show" (ABC-TV)...

Released on this date: 1976] "Greatest Hits" LP - The Eagles (which is still selling)...

"Oh Howard": 1986] Howard Stern returns to New York radio at K-Rock (WXRK). Howard just asked Beth Ostrovsky to marry him and after putting up with him for 7 years, do you think she would say "no". She didn't...

Murder Inc: 1992] In Milwaukee mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer is sentenced to life. In November of 1994 he is beaten to death in prison...1995] LIRR killer Colin Ferguson is convicted on 6 counts of murder in the December, 1993 shootings. Ferguson is later sentenced to a minimum of 200 years in prison. No tears are shed for either of these 2 sentences...

The dwarf planet: 1930] Clyde Tombaugh was spinning in his grave last summer when Pluto was designated a "dwarf" planet last summer. Clyde discovered the former planet on this date...

Never the Twain until now: 1885] Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is published in the U.S. for the 1st time...

Close Shave: 1951] The biggest point-shaving scandal in college basketball history begins when 3 players from CCNY, the defending champion, are charged with accepting bribes to throw games. They eventually admit their crimes along with 29 others from 6 schools, including powerhouse Kentucky...

Sound familiar?: 1981] George Harrison is ordered to pay ABKCO Music $587,000 for "subconscious plagiarism" which surpasses "temporary insanity" as a defense, between his song, "My Sweet Lord" and the Chiffons' "He's So Fine"...

Oops: 1942] Franklin D. Roosevelt signs an executive order giving the military authority to relocate and intern Japanese-Americans...

Truly Splendid: 1953] Ted Williams, a Marine pilot since 1951, escapes after crash-landing his F-9 Panther after being hit in Korea. He climbs down from the cockpit just before the plane explodes...

The "Joe Pa" era begins: 1966] Joe Paterno moves from assistant head coach of Penn State, where he began at the school in 1950, to head coach replacing Rip Engle. 41 years later he still is head coach at PSU...

Winter Gold: 1984] Twin brothers Phil and Steve Mahre finish 1-2 in the men's slalom on the final day of the Sarajevo Winter Olympics...

This is a new drink?: 1985] Cherry Coke is introduced by Coca-Cola. This is a drink that was discovered a lot earlier than that in every neighborhood of New York City along with the Egg-Cream...

The smoking light goes out: 1987] A controversial anti-smoking commercial airs for the 1st time on network TV. It features Yul Brynner who would soon die from lung cancer resulting from his heavy smoking...

Wedding Bells: 1995] Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson rock down the aisle. Pam's website lists her as being "single". This relationship has had more up and downs than the light switch on your wall...

"Guilty as Charged": 2004] Former Enron chief Jeffrey Skilling is charged with fraud, insider trading and other crimes in connection with the energy trader's monumental collapse. Worst of all his loses his company parking space...

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Runner's Up: The Celtics breaking that 18-game losing streak last night (the NBA consecutive game loss record is 24, 23 in one season)...The San Francisco Chronicle reporters in the Balco case are free thanks to their defense attorney who's taking the rap for revealing the names of steroid abusers to the reporters...Tiki Barber who wastes no time after retiring from the Giants by getting a news/human interest reporter's position on "The Today Show". Not too many people "break in" on the granddaddy of all morning shows and the owners of Barbaro who have set up a $3 million endowment at the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school to study equine diseases but the winner is: 23-year old Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester. Less than 6 months after being diagnosed with lymphoma, he is now cancer-free. His cancer is gone and his curve is back. Way to go Jon...

The Bad

Runner's Up: The Nascar crew chiefs who were suspended for Sunday's Daytona 500 for alterations made to the cars earlier in the week and news this morning from Nascar that MichaelWaltrip's crew chief and team doctor have also been suspended. What did they do, pour sugar in other driver's gas tanks? No. According to this morning's report, Waltrip's crew used a form of jet fuel in his tank. Maybe they can start a private jet service...there were the usual NFL and NBA bad boy suspects rounded up, Guy Lafleur's son got into a sexual allegations jam, a white, former NFL supervisor of officials who's suing the league over racial bias, Tank Johnson pleading guilty for that arsenal he had at home and 2 Gonzaga (a squeaky clean school) players being busted for drugs. But the winner is: Former NBA star TimHardaway's rant yesterday about former NBA center John Amaechi coming out as a gay. This is Hardaway's quote: "You know I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people". But how do you really feel Tim?Look Tim like anyone else is entitled to his opinion but his quote was uncalled for and beyond being mean spirited...

The Ugly

As always the Ugly candidates come from the Bad category and there were no runners up. The Ugly of the week award goes to Detroit Lions defensive line coach Joe Cullen who was sentenced on Tuesday to 2 years probation and must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings twice a week. Here's the Ugly timeline for Joe: August 24, 2006: Pulled over and ticketed on suspicion of indecent and obscene conduct. The Lions said alcohol was involved. Oh, by the way, Joe didn't have a stitch of clothes on at the time. September 1, 2006: Stopped by police for being over the legal limit for being considered drunk. January, 2007: Pleads no contest to disorderly conduct and guilty to impaired driving. In addition to the probation there are fines and court costs and Joe must attend a panel discussion featuring people affected by drunken drivers. Cullen had faced up to 90 days in jail for the disorderly conduct charge and 93 days for driving while impaired. We can only hope that this train wreck of a life can be saved...

Today's video link is in the "Recorded on this date" timeline of 1954...

"Remember the Maine": 1898] The USS Maine sinks by an unknown explosion in Havana Harbor that takes 260 crew member lives. Tensions escalate with Spain and "Remember the Maine" becomes a rallying cry for the U.S...

You have to be lucky too: 1933] President-elect Franklin Roosevelt escapes an assassination attempt in Miami that kills Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak...

Winter Gold: 1936] Sonja Henie of Norway a.k.a. "The World Queen of Figure Skating" wins her 3rd straight gold medal at the German Winter Olympics...

Proving there is justice in this world: 2002] Canadian pairs figure skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier are awarded a gold medal to resolve the judging controversy at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics...

"The 20th time is the charm": 1998] Dale Earnhardt (#3) wins the Daytona 500 in his 20th try...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

Commentary...

Charley Weis, ex-Patriot, now Notre Dame coach testified yesterday in his medical malpractice case against 2 Boston surgeons for a botched attempt at stomach bypass surgery at Mass General back in 2002. Life-threatening complications almost killed the coach. Weis is seeking unspecified damages and the trial continues today. We wish the former Patriot offensive coordinator the best of luck. Weis is in his 3rd year as coach of the Fighting Irish...

Wedding: (1952) Comedian Joey Adams marries gossip columnist Cindy Heller. They were married until Adams died in 1999 (47 years)...

Worst Wedding: (1984) Elton John and Renata Blauel (the marriage lasted for 4 years. Why so long you might wonder? - I did)...

Massacre: (1929) The St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago that killed 7, all rivals of Al Capone...

Debut: (1977) The B-52's debut at a Valentine's Day party in Athens (GA)...

Gift: (1989) Mike Tyson gives Robin Givens a divorce...

More Timeline Memories from Valentine's Day, February 14...

"Me Tarzan...you Jane": 1918] "Tarzan of the Apes" is released...

"What can Brown do for you?": 1919] United Parcel Service is formed...

"I Am Woman, hear me roar": 1920] The League of Women Voters is founded in Chicago with Maude Wood Park named as the 1st president of the organization...

"Big Blue" is born: 1924] IBM is founded by Thomas Watson...

Winter Gold: 1932] The U.S. wins the 1st bobsled competition at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid...1984] Jayne Torvil and Christopher Dean of Britain win a gold medal at Saravejo for ice-dancing to Ravel's "Bolero"...

"Happy Trails": 2003] "Dolly" the cloned sheep is put to death at age 6 due to premature aging and disease. Dolly was the 1st mammal cloned...

Recorded on this date: 1967] "Respect" -Aretha Franklin...

#1 on this date: 1983] "Baby, Come To Me" -Patti Austin and James Ingram (the song was featured on "General Hospital")...

Valent-Ian Day: 1977] Janis Ian receives hundreds of Valentine Day cards after she reveals in the song "At Seventeen" that she never received any in her teens...

Wedding Bells: 1968] The Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central merge into PennCentral...1994] The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia (51) marries Deborah Koons (marriage lasts until Garcia dies in '95)...1995] Roseanne Barr marries bodyguard Ben Thomas (they divorce in 2002)...1996] Prince and Mayte Garcia exchange vows (the marriage is annulled in 1999 but they partied like it was 1999 in '96, '97 and '98)...

"And that's the way it is": 1980] Walter Cronkite announces his retirement from the 'CBS Evening News'...

Death Sentence: 1989] Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini advises Salman Rushdie not to buy any green bananas as he calls on Muslims to kill the author of "The Satanic Verses". Salman Rushie still lives (as of 9am, February 14, 2007 anyway)...

"Sorry for all those deaths": 1989] Union Carbide agrees to pay $470 million to the government of India for the devastating results of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak...

[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...

Commentary...

Joe McCoy informs that he will be producing a Bruce Morrow oldies show on WOR (2-4pm) tomorrow, February 15th to raise money for 'Variety the Children's Charity'. The radiothon will air on 710AM from 5am to 6pm to help disabled children in the tri-state area. Special guests will include Danny Aiello, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Valli, Brenda Lee and Mary Wilson. Morrow and Joey Reynolds will preempt Bill O'Reilly and the Cuz will play oldies for the remainder of the day, taking requests and dedications in exchange for pledges to Variety. Kudos to Cousin Brucie, Joe and the staff of WOR for a most worthy cause...

"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":

Teller (the mute partner of Penn & Teller who apparently has no 1st name is 59), Pat O'Brien (who's not allowed to use a phone on Valentine's Day) (59), our very own mayor Mike Bloomberg (65), Florence Henderson (73), Phyllis (McGuire Sisters) McGuire (76) and Hugh Downs (86)...

Timeline Countdown: 1 day until all pitchers and catchers voluntarily report, 35 days until spring...

About Me

Mel Phillips Now & Then is more Now. The Then always follows the Now. Prior to starting 'Remembers' in 2005 and 'Now & Then' on April 7, 2008 I enjoyed a multi-media career which included being one of the Bill Drake program directors. I was involved in the programming of such legendary stations as WOR-FM, WXLO-FM, WNBC, WRKO AM & FM and KQV. I was also General Manager of Hooper Radio, played disc jockey in markets such as Tampa, Nashville, Norfolk and Atlantic City and enjoyed marketing success in syndicated radio for several companies including ABC, MJI and United Stations. My background also includes the music business where I promoted such diverse CBS acts as The Clash, Gloria Estefan, Loverboy, Judas Priest, George Michael & Julio Iglesias. In Special Programming at WCBS-FM I wrote and produced numerous specials and interviewed some of the biggest recording stars. In addition to this post I'm a regular contributor to Radio Daily News. My wife Diane and I reside on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and I'm very proud of my children, Robert Phillips, Lynn Phillips Brough and granddaughters Allyson and Amy...